Exploring the Beauty of Ezhimala

EZHIMALA

    Ezhimala, a hill reaching a height of 286 metres, is located near Payyanur in Kannur District of Kerala, SouthIndia. As the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kingdom, it is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport and center of trade around the beginning of theCommon Era, it was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddhahad visited Ezhimala. The hill was once known as Mount Delly by the British. Ezhimala, which is part of Ramanthali panchayath, is one of the most important places in the recorded history of North Kerala.

     The name ‘Ezhimala’ is believed to be the malayalam equivalent of ‘Seven Hills’ and is derived from the seven hills dominating the skyline of this area. The place was also known as ‘Elimala’ meaning ‘Rat Hill’ possibly due to the large number of rodents infesting the forests here. Yet another legend has it that the name was derived from ‘Ezhil Malai’ meaning land of beauty. Folklore has it that the seven hills are part of the ‘Rishabadri’ mountain that fell to the earth when Lord Hanuman was carrying the mountain with Mrita Sanjivani and other herbs to lanka.  

     The history of the area is well documented over the last 1500 years. The area has been successively ruled by the Ashoka and Vijayanagaram empires as well as by Tipu Sultan. Ruins of fortifications erected by Tipu Sultan can be seen near mt dilli light house.   The area fell into British hands, after they defeated Tipu Sultan in the third mysore war. The portuguese are also known to have held this land during the nineteenth century. The name Mt Dilli is understood to be a refinement of Mt D'elli which was the original name given by the portuguese.  

      An erstwhile thriving sea port and centre of business in ancient Kerala, Ezhimala had also been one of the major war zones in the 11th century that was held between the Chola-Chera Dynasties. Now Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.With prior permission from the Naval Academy, you can visit the Mount Dilli Lighthouse between 3:00 to 5:00 pm, which is situated inside the naval base. Its not a very high lighthouse, but its worth a trip as it gives you a breathtaking view of the virgin beaches of Ezhimala and Zamorin. The entry fee for the lighthouse is Rs. 10/- for adults, Rs. 3/- for children, Rs. 25/- for foreign tourists, camera charges Rs. 20/- and video photography Rs. 25/-.

      Just next to the lighthouse, you'll see a tiny fort which is known as the Ezhimala Fort and is under major restoration work. There isn't much to see and do there as of now, however, its worth a wait for a few more months when the fort will be ready for public viewing.

Anjaneya Giri

The Tallest Hanuman Statue in Kerala (41 feet) is Located At Anjaneyagiri Ezhimala.Statue is about 286 meters above sea level. Anjaneya giri Hanuman statue is a Project by Surya Trust Payyanur Its is a well known tourist place in Kannur.It is located in Ramanthally. It is 3 Km away from Kakkanpar Village and  10 km from payyanur

 Ettikulam Beach

    The Ettikulam Beach lies at the northern boundary of Kannur. Rare medical herbs (Ramayana) with mythological significance grow on Ezhimala, the strange seven-peaked range. Around 50 kms from here, is the Mount Deli Lighthouse, an old tower of great antiquity. It's maintained by the Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer that in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. Ezhimala Beach is situated at the top of a clump of hills at an altitude of 286m and it is 55 kilometers from Kannur. An ancient cave and a burial chamber are also present at the foot of the hill and the hills are known rewritten for a lot of medicinal herbs. An ancient mosque also resides on a nearby hill. This place has witnessed a lot of historical events in 11th century of North Kerala and it is also believed that Buddha has also visited this place.
     It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur.There is a famous temple of Hanuman, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins.

Indian Naval Academy

     Ezhimala was chosen by Indian Navy to locate the Naval Academy due to its picturesque surroundings, seafaring traditions of the region and rich historical past. In 1982, the Government of India approved the Navy's proposal after the Government of Kerala agreed to provide the proposed 2500 acres of land and basic infrastructure for area development, free of cost. The predominant hill feature of Ezhimala, the Mount Dilli,  is 260 m  high. Mt Dilli Light house is situated in the southern part of the base and to the north lies the Kavvayi backwaters.

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